Russell Todd Yates

Russell Todd Yates, 57, of Haw River, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 15, 2025. He was born on October 9, 1967 in Alamance County to the late Billy Watts Yates and Shelba Young Yates and was a beloved husband to the love of his life, Melody Warren Yates, of the home, for 17 years.

Russell grew up in Efland, NC and graduated from Orange High School. He enjoyed playing golf and softball but more than anything, he loved to spend time with his family and friends. His fondest memories were at White Lake, better known as their “Happy Place” where they enjoyed time by the water, sunshine and being with friends that turned into family. Russell worked with Piedmont Electric Cooperative for 36 years as a lineman/engineer. He treasured his work family and cultivated special friendships with many of his coworkers. Russell’s faith and walk with Jesus was an important part of his life. He valued the community and friends he met through church along the years. Friendships were an integral part of his life and he cherished every friendship he had.

Family meant everything to Russell. He treasured his children and loved making memories with each one of them. He adored his grandkids and fully embraced his role as Poppy. If you walked in their home, you would more than likely see him in the floor interacting and playing with his grandbabies, because there wasn’t much more that he loved than that. He loved all of his time with family, but there was no one he enjoyed being with more than his wife and soulmate, Melody. Whether they were traveling and adventuring together or at home watching their favorite show, being together was their favorite place to be. You would rarely see one of them without the other. They were a package deal and they wouldn’t have had it any other way. They were each other’s greatest joy and companion and shared a love that many dream to one day experience. His memory will remain in the hearts of his family and friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Melody; sons, Justice Yates and wife Amber, Caleb Gwynn and fiancé Kaila Corbett, Hunter Gwynn, Keyjuan Long; daughter, Lindsey Yates; grandchildren, Hattie Yates, Holland Yates, Kallum Gwynn, Clara Gwynn; sister, Billy Jean Rimmer and husband Eddie; brother, Doug Yates and wife Kim; nephews, Travis Rimmer, Cole Johnson and wife Carmen, Chandon Warren; nieces, Shannon Bailey, Morgan Eubanks and husband Kyle, Brittany Rose; mother-in-law, Glenda Vincent; brother-in-law, John Michael Warren; sister-in-law, Michele Blair and husband Jimmy and special friends, Lori Freeman and her daughter Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Tammy Renae Yates.

A service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. John Shields and Rev. Paul Cecil with the burial to follow at Efland United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm on Friday at Lowe Funeral Home and other times at his brother’s home in Efland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Moyamoya Foundation at Duke Health by visiting giving.dukehealth.org in honor of his granddaughter Hattie Yates. This foundation was very near and dear to Russell’s heart.

Please visit www.lowefuneralhome.com to watch the service and to sign the online condolences.